The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to authorize President Barack Obama to use limited force against Syria on Wednesday, news outlets reported.
The Senate resolution would limit military action to 60 or 90 days, narrow the conflict to Syria's borders and prohibit U.S. troops on the ground. The end goal, said Sen. John McCain, should be "a negotiated settlement that ends the conflict and leads to a democratic government in Syria." The vote was 10-7. Five Republicans and two Democrats voted against it.
Amendments from senators sought a democratic government in Syria but the Obama Administration argued that regime change is not the goal, USA Today reported. Amendments called for giving military and humanitarian aid to "vetted elements of the Syrian opposition forces, including the Free Syrian Army." The committee approved that amendment.
What happens after the allotted time for military action runs out? The president would be authorized to strike for 60 days and another 30 days if necessary. Congress would have to set the limit on U.S.'s power to rid the country of chemical weapons but the president can act on his own.
The Congressional approval shows that the right steps are being taken on how to address the problems in Syria. But, majority of Americans polled this week are weary of the country doing another intervention, fearing it could escalate into another conflict. Americans are also wary of the casualties.
As for other countries, Russia would support a United Nations resolution on military strikes if it is proved poison gas was used on Syrians. France doesn't doubt that chemical weapons have been used and that failure to react would allow Syrian President Bashar Assad to launch more attacks.
No comments:
Post a Comment